Defender Brad Smith has been ruled out of the Socceroos’ forthcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️ & AFC Asian Cup China 2023™️ – Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 fixtures due to injury.
Smith sustained a minor niggle in camp and while it is not anticipated that the injury will keep him out of action for an extended period, the injury has ruled him out of Australia’s remaining three matches in Kuwait City.
Smith has departed Kuwait and will return to his club, Seattle Sounders FC.
Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold said: “It is disappointing for Brad and the Socceroos that Brad has been ruled out of this window with a minor injury, however we believe it is in the best interests of both Brad and Seattle Sounders not to push him to make a return.”
“As always, Brad has shown great commitment to the Socceroos this window and we look forward to him making a positive contribution to the team later in the year.”
Smith’s departure from the Socceroos’ camp in Kuwait leaves Arnold and his staff with a 30-player squad to select from for the next three games.
HOW TO WATCH: Socceroos' return to the pitch
Australia will play Chinese Taipei and the Jaber Al-Hamad International Stadium tonight (local time), before rounding out this phase of qualifying with fixtures against Nepal (11/6) and Jordan (15/6) local time.
Australia v Chinese Taipei
Monday, 7 June 2021 (8 June AEST)
Venue: Jaber Al-Hamad International Stadium
Kick-off: 10.00pm local, 5.00am AEST (Tuesday morning)
Watch on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, ABC TV and My Football Live App.
Nepal v Australia
Friday, 11 June 2021 (12 June AEST)
Venue: Jaber Al-Hamad International Stadium
Kick-off: 7.00pm local, 2.00am AEST (Saturday morning)
Watch on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, and Football Live App.
Australia v Jordan
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 (16 June AEST)
Venue: TBC
Kick-off: TBC
Watch on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, ABC TV, and My Football Live App.
